What the I 64 Expansion Means for BGW Visitors

Hi Chasers! I wanted to take a moment to talk about the expansion of I 64 from Newport News through York County. I do not want to make this an anti-VDOT post, I just want to give people a heads up on what is happening, as I think this will be a good thing in the long run. As many of you may have noticed over the last year, work is being done to expand the interstate from 2 to 4 lanes starting afterf Jefferson Ave., where it currently goes from 4 to 2 lanes. Those who take that drive to Busch Gardens Williamsburg know that bottle neck all to well, and dread the moments before arriving there. I was up there today (Feb. 7th) and saw a ton of completed work. From what I saw, all that needs concrete are the bridges and overpasses. This is great news considering the VDOT website, that segment is not supposed to be finished until December of this year. So what does it mean for BGW visitors when this segment is finished?

The bottle neck gets closer to BGW

http://www.i64widening.org/learn_more/maps.asp

BGW is at exit 243. As you can see here, the first segment ends just before exit 247. That is roughly 3-4 miles before the BGW exit. Those new 4 lanes will become 2 again before the Yorktown Rd. exit. Expect heavy BGW traffic to get heavier around this area until the second segment is completed. Where this will help is, we will have only a few miles of 2 lane interstate before it expands to 4, thus smoother rides home. Those traveling 64 East will not be affected until the second and third segments are completed.

Segment 2

The second segment has already been getting marked off and I saw work vehicles beginning to clear the path. The website has a completion date of Spring 2019. Yes, I know, that is 2 years away, but, once completed the 64 west route will be much smoother. I still expect BGW traffic, but there will be less “interference” from vehicles passing through.

Segment 3

The third segment will be a much bigger undertaking, as it has more bridges and overpasses, some of which are going to be replaced. There is currently no start time on the website, so we will keep you informed when we can, as this will affect travelers from 64 east.

In conclusion, this construction can be a pain in the but for motorists for he time being, but in the long run, I believe we will have a better commute to our favorite park.